The key to Arne Slott’s early success as Liverpool manager was his ability to improve players already at the club.
The Dutchman didn’t get a war chest during his first transfer window on Merseyside but still made immediate improvements, with the likes of Ryan Gravenberch, Ibrahima Konate, Curtis Jones and Luis Diaz notably developing under his watch.
However, not everyone enjoyed their time under Sloto. Liverpool’s stalwart left-back Andy Robertson has not only failed to improve since Jurgen Klopp’s departure, but has declined rapidly. The Scot, who is only 30 years old, has struggled to adapt this season, making an alarming rate of individual errors and generally putting in below-par performances.
Since Kostas Tsimikas isn’t cutting down trees as his deputy, it may be so Liverpool explore the left-back market in the upcoming windows. Here are four you might want to target.
Who wouldn’t want to add Alphonse Davies to their list of defensive options? The Canadian international has long been one of the most impressive left-backs in European football, using his exceptional speed to provide excellent defensive and offensive support.
The list of suitors for the Bayern Munich player is long. Barcelona and, especially, Real Madrid were advertised as potential destinations for the 24-year-old, whose contract expires next summer. Davies looks increasingly unlikely to renew his contract with the Bavarians, meaning his choice of Europe’s elite will come at the end of the current campaign.
It would be remiss of Liverpool not to assess Davies as a genuine candidate to bolster their left-back department, but any pursuit could prove futile as Real Madrid reportedly close the deal. It wouldn’t be the first time the Spanish giants beat the Reds in the transfer market.
Unlike the situation with Davies, Liverpool is long gone one of the leading names linked with Fulham’s Antonee Robinson. The United States international, who was born in Milton Keynes and came through Everton’s academy, won fans across the division with his impressive attacking displays for the Cottagers.
In fact, Robinson saved one of his best performances of the campaign for Anfield. The left back was the player of the match in the ten Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Fulham – a game in which Robertson was sent off for the Reds – and provided two assists while Mohamed Salah was relatively quiet.
Robinson has provided regular services for Fulham this season with his forays down the flank and accurate passing into the penalty area. He’s no slouch defensively either, his tenacity key in disarming the league’s best wingers.
Rayan Ait-Nouri is another attack-minded left-back who has made waves over the past few seasons. The defender of Wolverhampton Wanderers was associated with the top dogs of the Premier League following consistent high caliber performances from the struggling side.
The 23-year-old, who has even operated as a winger at times, provided three goals and two assists in all competitions last season – a tally he has already improved on in 2024/25. The old gold defender is among the best in the league in his position for goals, assists, shots and successful dribbles.
The Algerian also has time on his side. At just 23 years old – unlike Robinson who is 27 – he has plenty of room to improve in the years to come, correcting any deficiencies and continuing to hone his attacking strengths.
Speaking of full-backs with a strong attacking instinct, Miloš Kerkez is another of the division’s young strikers. The Bournemouth left-back is just 21-years-old and has already racked up an impressive number of appearances for the Cherries since joining from AZ Alkmaar in 2023.
The Hungarian international has adapted quickly in the Premier League despite his tender age and is one of Europe’s most exciting talents. Liverpool have been linked with Kerkez before and it seems inevitable that one of the country’s top players will be chasing Bournemouth’s left-back in the next 18 months.
Kerkez caught the eye in Holland for his attacking performances and has started to add goals and assists to match his efforts this season. Clean sheets haven’t always come in a fiery Bournemouth side and the youngster isn’t the most reliable defensive option. However, he too has time firmly on his side.
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